Bitcoin Price Analysis: Head-and-Shoulders Reversal Pushes New Highs

Published on July 17, 2018

In our previous discussion, a strong possibility for a retest of the low volume spring was noted as the market was beginning the early stages of an inverted head-and-shoulders (H/S) reversal (sometimes called a head-and-shoulders bottom). A couple days ago, shortly after testing the left shoulder of the head-and-shoulders reversal (H/S), the market reacted strongly and the price jumped several hundred dollars:

Figure 1: BTC-USD, 1-Day Candles, H/S Bottom

Both the candle spread and volume have been quite high over the last two daily candles. High volume and large spread following a low volume spring hint toward a potential accumulation characteristic called a “Jump Across the Creek” (JAC). In a trading-range sense, the whole purpose of an accumulation trading range (TR) is to shake out all the sellers so that an asset can be pushed to higher price levels with minimal interference by overhanging supply.

While the accumulation argument is still up for interpretation, it is gaining several checkmarks with today’s market activity. Overall, throughout the life of the TR, the total volume has declined — typically a sign of supply absorption and overall declining seller interest. However, the spread and volume that reacted from the weekend lows showed a strong buyer interest, hitting the market as the H/S bottom nearly completed its entire measured move in about five hours.

So, what’s next?

Figure 2: BTC-USD, 1-Day Candles, Macro Fib Levels

The next major obstacle for the bulls to tackle is the $7,700s. This has historically been a strong battleground between the bulls and the bears, and there is a major resistance level established at the 61% macro Fibonacci retracement values. Because the strong, bullish move is so new, it’s difficult to tell how far it will continue because it hasn’t had a chance to pull back and test seller interest.

For now, the bulls have the ball in their court and it will be up to them to determine how far they can push the market. Undoubtedly, the vast majority of shorters over the last month or so have been stomped out by today’s rally. This could, potentially, bring a strong round of people looking to re-short the market. However, for now the bulls will enjoy their rally as it moves to test the resistance overhead.

One characteristic to keep an eye out for: JACs often retrace up to 50% of their movement in a TR characteristic called a “Back Up to the Edge of the Creek” (BUEC). This serves to not only test seller interest, but also trap sellers to provide liquidity for the next leg up. The BUEC is a great risk-to-reward for those looking to enter long on the rally. I always recommend not FOMOing and having a plan beforehand.

Summary:

Bitcoin completed its H/S reversal pattern and is now testing the strength of the bullish investors.

The next resistance level to tackle is the $7,700s. This will likely provide an opportunity for bulls to take profit and for shorters to enter the market.

Overall, the market is set up quite bullishly and is continuing to show signs of a larger, macro accumulation TR.

Trading and investing in digital assets like bitcoin and ether is highly speculative and comes with many risks. This analysis is for informational purposes and should not be considered investment advice. Statements and financial information on Bitcoin Magazine and BTC Media related sites do not necessarily reflect the opinion of BTC Media and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation to buy, sell or hold. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.